John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
In his foretelling of His death, Christ reminds the disciples to “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” May I ask you today to look at the words of Jesus? “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” If we stopped there, our heads would be down, our spirits low, and our hearts faint. Aren’t you glad He did not stop with that statement alone, but He went on to say BUT which means to forget everything I just said.
Some of us need to hear BUT. We have connected with all the negative around us. Like the disciples, we stand around and ask, What is He saying? Yes, tribulations will come. It is life. From the moment we awaken until we go to sleep life keeps on coming. It never stops. Even when we are asleep life keeps on happening.
As we learn of world events—everything from earthquakes to crises, famine to political failure—tribulation is all you hear. Turn on the news. When the advertisements come on during the news broadcast, it is frequently a promotion to raise money for disaster relief somewhere. If that is not enough, it is our home, our children, and our families facing dilemmas.
Jesus told us to be at peace, but not just any peace; He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This is a peace that passes all understanding. So as the world trends on what looks like a downward spiral, stop and hear the words of Jesus, “I have overcome the world.”
Our prayer for you this week: May you come to have peace with whatever circumstance you are facing, realizing Jesus has overcome the world.